Sending Funeral Flowers

This is probably the most asked question here in the store. There is really no right or wrong choice, it is personal preference. Sometimes the dollar value will determine where you should send your sympathy flowers to. Generally when sending to the funeral home or church, the flowers are larger as most of these venues tend to be larger in size. Sending a beautiful centerpiece to a large church would not be the best choice as it would not be seen from those attending the service. Should you want to send a smaller and more intimate flower gift it is recommended to send to the residence. Should you choose to send to the funeral home or church and have a limited budget, we could recommend a tall plant or a tall vase or basket arrangement so your gift will be visible at the front of the venue.

When sending to the home there is no inappropriate time to send. Many clients send as soon as they hear of the loss though sometimes our clients choose to send a card immediately and send a flower gift a couple weeks after the service to gently let the recipient know that they are still being thought of. When our clients choose to send a couple weeks after, they can certainly call and order their flowers as soon as they hear, and we will hold the order and send at the requested time. This eliminates the chance of forgetting.

When sending for a funeral service or church, the funeral homes require that the flowers be there a minimum of an hour prior to service. Most will not allow flowers to be delivered after the cut off as it is disruptive to the service. When we receive an order to be sent to the funeral home or church we will automatically check to see if there is a viewing prior to the service and will be sure to have your flower gift arrive in time for the earliest viewing if you wish.

Sending to Church or funeral home Sometimes our clients are not made aware of the service until after it has taken place, it is certainly very acceptable to send a flower gift to the family home on the day of the service or anytime after. It is never too late to show your sympathy.

Sending Flowers for Funeral and Sympathy

There are some rules for sending flowers for occasions such as funerals. This is why Rosery florist has developed these recommendations to help you choose the correct flowers depending on where you would like to send your flower gift, guaranteeing everyone is happy and gets the most out of their gift. To ensure that what you are sending is appropriate, our designers will always call you directly if they feel that what you have chosen may not be appropriate and discuss all options with you.

Sympathy (Sending to home or office)

So what should you send? Fresh cut bouquets are great for most occasions but at this sad time they can be a bit of a burden by requiring the family to find a suitable vase for the flowers. If you do want to send a bouquet, you may want to choose one of our European hand tied bouquets which come arranged, banded and ready for the recipient to place in their own vase with minimal hassle.

You may also want to consider an arrangement which arrives in a water vessel that the recipient can simply place on their table and enjoy. Or as a symbol of life you may like to send a living plant maybe with some fresh flowers tucked in the plant which gives a nice presentation upon arrival.

Table centers either in vases or low dishes are also nice to give, as they can be displayed on coffee tables, dining tables or counters and are beautiful on all side.

Funerals (Sending to Funeral home or Church)

So what should you send? Fresh cut bouquets are great for most occasions but at this sad time they can be a bit of a burden by requiring the family to find a suitable vase for the flowers. If you do want to send a bouquet, you may want to choose one of our European hand tied bouquets which come arranged, banded and ready for the recipient to place in their own vase with minimal hassle.

You may also want to consider an arrangement which arrives in a water vessel that the recipient can simply place on their table and enjoy. Or as a symbol of life you may like to send a living plant maybe with some fresh flowers tucked in the plant which gives a nice presentation upon arrival.

Table centers either in vases or low dishes are also nice to give, as they can be displayed on coffee tables, dining tables or counters and are beautiful on all side.

Funerals can still be fairly traditional and there can be a lot of cultural respect you have to abide by. If you are unsure whether it is appropriate to send flowers for a funeral, check with the funeral home, religious leader or family of the deceased or call us and we will advise you. Remember it is more important to ask and be sure than to disrespect someone’s cultural/religious values. View etiquette by faith

Traditionally the placement of flowers on the casket is reserved for family members and loved ones. Ask the family before ordering flowers for the casket.

Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the death notice mentions "in lieu of flowers"

Yes. Flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time. Often our clients will send a more simple flower arrangement or plant to the service and also donate to the charitable donation mentioned. This is a personal decision.

What type of flowers or colors should I send?

There is no "funeral" flower per say. These days flower arrangements are created to suit the individual they are designed for. Bright and bold flowers for the adventurous person, soft and subtle flowers would be suitable for someone who was more on the quite side. Our designers can create something exclusively for you if you don’t see something in our catalogue to suit the person you are sending for. Generally flowers sent to churches and funeral homes tend to be one sided arrangements as most often flowers are placed at the front of the hall and only viewed from the front. This style of arrangement allows for a large overall presentation. All of the arrangements in our funeral home and church selection guide are of suitable size to send. These arrangements are not very suitable to send to the residence or to the office. Should you like one of the items in this category, we can certainly alter the design slightly to make it more suitable to send to the residence. However, one sided arrangements does not mean it needs to be the traditional triangle shape. More and more people are choosing contemporary and stylized arrangements that suit the deceased personality! If you don’t see a perfect option in our selection guide, please feel free to call one of our designers and we will be happy to discuss the perfect arrangement to send!

A lot of people are unsure what color flowers or types of flowers they should be sent on sad occasions. There is no right or wrong answer here but as a gentle guide the following may help you make the right decision:

Bright and Colorful: This is a good choice if you would like to send something with a cheery tone to it. Also good to send if the deceased was an adventurous person with a bright and bold personality and you would like the flowers to reflect that.

All White or Cream: All white or cream colored arrangements have a very peaceful and calming effect. This is always an appropriate option when you are not sure what to send.

Soft and Pastel Color: Monotone arrangements in soft pastel colors are a gentle and beautiful way to show that you are thinking of the recipient. Popular color choices would be soft pinks, peaches, yellows, purples and blue.

What to send?

Sympathy Sprays - Order a Sympathy Spray Sympathy sprays are appropriate for delivery to the funeral home, mortuary or church. These beautiful arrangements are displayed on a standing easel and make a impressive presentation. Generally these sprays will also be moved to the graveside by the funeral director. Sympathy sprays are not suitable to send to the residence or office.

Large Funeral Baskets - Order a Funeral Basket link to sympathy for church) Funeral baskets are appropriate for delivery to the funeral home, mortuary or church. These beautiful flower arrangements are displayed in decorative baskets or containers and make a lovely presentation. These arrangements are typically one sided to give maximum presentation. This style is generally not sent to the residence or office.

Green and Blooming Plants - Order a Green or Blooming Plant Green and blooming plants are appropriate for delivery to the funeral home, mortuary, church, residence or place of business. These beautiful plants are displayed in a pretty pot or in a decorative basket and are appropriate to send to any location.

Vase Arrangements - Order a Vase Arrangement Vase arrangements are appropriate for delivery to the residence, office, funeral home, church or mortuary. When sending a vase to funeral home, mortuary or church you may want to choose one that is taller for a better presentation. They are also appropriate to send to a place of business of a friend or family member who has lost a loved one. Arranged in a beautiful vase these arrangements are a tasteful way to offer your condolences.

Arrangements - Order a Arrangement Arrangements are appropriate for delivery to the residence. They are also appropriate to send to a place of business of a friend or family member who has lost a loved one. Arranged in a beautiful container or decorative basket, these arrangements are a tasteful way to offer your condolences. All occasion arrangements are generally not sent to funeral homes or churches as they tend to be smaller in size and designed to be placed on tables, coffee tables or counters.

Centerpiece - Order a centerpiece Centerpieces are appropriate for delivery to the residence. They make wonderful gifts as they can be placed on large or small tables and are beautiful from all sides. They are easy for recipient to place in many locations throughout the home. Centerpieces are generally not sent to funeral homes or churches.

What do I say?

There are some simple yet effective ways to express what you are trying to say when really ï¿½no words will do’! Why not try one of the below options if you are stuck or use it as a starting platform to create your own individual message:

Sympathy Messages Coming From Friends and Family

Kathy and Family, Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you. With Love, Suzanne and Bill Chase

In loving memory of Aunt Bernice, she will be missed dearly. Love, Jason and Lisa Nolan

Dear John and Sue and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss. Love, Brenda, Bob, Ellen and Mike Trumbaugh

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sister. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie Arnold

John will always be in our hearts and memories. With Sympathy, The Harper Family

Dear Martha and Family, Just a small token to let you know we are thinking of you at this sad time. With our deepest sympathy, The Jones Family Dear John, Mary was such a wonderful and warm person who will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with you. Love Michael and Family Sympathy Messages Coming From Co-Workers and Business Associates

With deepest sympathy for your loss. The Staff at Vision EyeCare

With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. From all of your friends at Penny Road Elementary School.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From all the staff at AT&T.

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your Mother. From all your friends at Blinky’s - Sarah, Scott, Mark, Sarah and Meghan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From everyone at Samuelson Printing Company.

Etiquette by Faith

There are certain rules of etiquette for funeral flowers when sending to services of certain faiths. We have listed some of the more popular faiths below and the standard funeral etiquette for them.

Buddhist - Funerals take place in a funeral home (not a temple). Sending flowers is appropriate.

Catholic - Flowers are appreciated & may be sent to the funeral home or church.

Mormon - Floral arrangements are welcomed, except flowers arranged on a cross. Funerals are held in a temple.

Eastern Orthodox - Flowers may be sent to the funeral home in time for the funeral. If unable to attend, flowers are appreciated if send to the family of the deceased.

Christian - Floral arrangements of all kinds are greatly appreciated at the funeral home, church, or home of family members.

Hindu - Try to hold a funeral service at the funeral home on the day of death. Flowers aren't part of Hindu tradition, but may be appreciated.

Islamic - Flowers can be welcomed, or unwelcomed, in certain situations. It is best to check with a family member to see if the family would appreciate flowers.

Jewish - Floral arrangements are not normally sent. Fruit or food baskets are traditionally sent to the home of the mourning family.

Funeral Flower Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what is appropriate when ordering

flowers for a funeral?

Sympathy tributes vary region to region, our staff can make recommendations. Call 1-888-284-6507 Sometimes we will know what the family has ordered or what other tributes are being sent, and can create something for you that will be a nice complement to the other flowers. We are familiar with any restrictions the local funeral homes or cemeteries might have. Additionally, if we are providing the family arrangements and the family has any special requests, we can pass that information on to you.

I have seen a lot of different styles of floral arrangements at funeral services lately. What is best? How do I order a "special" design?

Highly personalized sympathy tributes that depict an aspect of a person's essence are a growing trend. If the deceased was a man who loved the outdoors, perhaps a tribute incorporating branches and natural materials would be ideal. If the deceased was an avid gardener, a tribute with a collection of garden flowers may be a perfect choice. Be prepared to give us a few hints about the person you want to memorialize. If you prefer to send a design that is more a reflection of your style, be sure to communicate that to our staff or in "Special Instructions" if ordering online. Our site has many images of traditional sympathy styles for you to view.

Is it okay to send flowers to the family's home? If so, when is it appropriate to send them?

Yes, this is a wonderful way to express your sympathy and is a common trend. Some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately while others prefer to wait a week or more. There are no rules. Flowers can be a very comforting reminder during the grieving process that friends haven't forgotten.

Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the death notice mentions a charitable donation?

Yes. Because flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time.

Is it acceptable to send roses or flowers in a glass vase to the funeral home?

From an etiquette standpoint this is perfectly acceptable; however, some funeral homes have rules about certain types of arrangements. We are familiar with what each funeral home allows. Should you be ordering for a funeral home not in our immediate area, we will check to ensure what you are sending is appropriate.

If several of us want to go in together for funeral flowers, how do we sign our names so the family knows how to thank us?

When groups go in together on flowers, the arrangements can be very special and make a larger showing. There should be room on the floral enclosure card for several names, but if there's not enough space it is best to sign as a group, such as "The Girls in Accounting" or "The Smith Family." Include a contact name and address on the card so the family knows whom to thank.

Where did the tradition of sending funeral flowers come from?

Flowers have always played an important role in burial traditions because of their soothing qualities. In ancient cultures, floral and herb essences were used to anoint the bodies of the deceased and aromatic flowers and greens were displayed.

Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? If so, will the funeral home send it to the family after the service?

Yes, it is appropriate to send a green or flowering plant. The funeral director will notify the family members that they may take the plants with them after the service.

If I want to place a tribute in or on the casket, what should I do?

This tradition is usually reserved for family members or special loved ones. Ask the family before ordering anything for the casket. We can offer suggestions for other special tributes.

What is appropriate to send for a cremation?

A tastefully designed floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial service. It is common for the family to have an arrangement designed for display with the urn. When sending a tribute for a cremation ceremony the same guidelines apply as to any church or funeral home.

I just heard the news. Is it too late to send flowers?

No matter when you hear the sad news, sending flowers is always appropriate. You can choose to send a flower arrangement to the service or home of the surviving family members.

The obituary says "In lieu of flowers," but I still would like to send flowers - is this appropriate?

Yes, flowers are also appropriate in these situations. Many people choose to send a token of remembrance to the service or family home as well as a donation to the charity indicated.

I am not certain where the service is being held. Can you find that out for me?

If you have the name of the deceased and city where the services will take place we will find all the information for you. You can trust us to get your sympathy flowers to the service when and where they need to be.

We collected money among the people in our office to send flowers. How do we sign the card?

You can sign it with the name of the business or group or use the individual names on the card. Try to keep the name list as concise as possible. You might want to get a larger greeting card and have everyone sign it as you collect the contributions. Then bring the card to our store and we can attach it to the design you are sending.

We want to send a flower arrangement to the service that the Family can bring home after the funeral. Is this commonly done?

This is commonly done but there are points to consider:

Flower arrangements for a funeral service are usually designed to be viewed from one angle or are "one sided". There are no flowers seen from the back side. They also have a distinct look. They look like "Funeral Flowers". They are designed to look large, sometimes "fanned out". Using this design style allows the arrangement to look larger for the amount spent for flowers because it doesn't have to look beautiful from the back. The container may be inexpensive, throw away "mache" or plastic, allowing more value to go towards more flowers in the arrangement.

You may not want the Family's home to be reminiscent of a "Funeral Parlor" by sending this type of arrangement to the visitation or funeral with the intention of them bringing it home afterwards.

If the flowers are intended to be taken home our designers recommend that we create an arrangement more suited to being viewed on a coffee table or end table. This usually means an "all around" arrangement designed to look beautiful from any angle. A design like this will appear smaller than a "Funeral Arrangement" even though the same or more money was spent for flowers and container.

If you choose to send an arrangement suitable for display at home don't be disappointed if the arrangement appears smaller when placed next to a typical "Funeral Piece". The value is there. The difference is the design.